Stay In Your Lane!

Have you ever found yourself comparing yourself to other women? The way they look, their clothes, lifestyle or even their marriage. These are just a few things that women find themselves comparing with other women. Comparison is something that almost every woman struggles with, however, God does not call you to compare yourself to other women. He calls you to live according to His will.

Years ago I was in a relationship and found out there was another female involved. I found myself comparing myself to this female, in particular her friendships and where she was in life. I often found myself feeling depressed and frustrated. I would constantly complain about my friendships because I did not feel that they were good enough. I also began to feel very discontent with my life. Thank God for change.

Stay in your lane:

God wants you to stay in your lane. Take driving for instance. When you drive a car people will undertake you, overtake you and even cut you off. That brand new car that you have been praying for may even speed pass you. Frustrating as it may be, you have to keep on driving to your destination. No matter if people around you are excelling or being blessed, stay focused on your own lane. You have your own destiny and this will be fulfilled when the timing is right.

When you concern yourself with the blessings of others you will lose focus on what God is trying to bless you with. If you pay attention to athletes running races, you never see them looking around at what their competitors are doing. They are looking straight ahead. Why? Because they understand that they need to stay focused on what they are doing. This increases the chance of winning the race effectively.

In life there will always be people doing better than you, as well as people who are doing less than you. Comparison is a never ending cycle and you will never win if you choose to participate in it.

Not only does comparison rob you of joy, it also robs your sense of self.

Cain and Abel:

The first story in the bible of comparison is found in Genesis 4. Cain compared his offering to Abel’s offering and the bible said that Cain “rose up in anger.” The effects of comparison resulted in him murdering his brother. Drastic right? When you struggle with comparison you may not go out of your way to kill someone, but you will end up killing your joy and a whole lot of time.

The dangers of comparison:

1. Lack of wisdom.

The Bible says that those who compare themselves with others are unwise. Whilst you are concerned about somebody else’s plan, you miss out on the plan that God has for you. Comparison may lead to you competing against others and in the midst of this you are likely to make unwise decisions.

“For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.”

~ 2 Corinthians 10:12 ~

2. Discontentment

When you begin to compare yourself with other people you are sowing a seed of discontentment. Guard your heart by cutting out anything that is making you feel inferior whether it is social media, television ect.

“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.”

~ Proverbs 4:23 ~

3. Envy.

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

~ James 3:16 ~

Comparison can breed envy and in turn this could end up damaging your relationships and perspective in life. Looking back on the story of Cain and Abel, envy can also be destructive.

Encouragement:

#1. Be content:

Be content with what you have and stay focused on the journey that God is taking you on. You may miss God’s best for you otherwise.

“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””

~ Hebrews 13:5 ~

#2: Do your best:

Live your best life. Rejoice in your current season and put your all into what God has laid on your heart. By living by these standards you will not have time to compare your life to others.

“But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”

~ Galatians 6:4 ~

#3. Praise God and be thankful.

Praise God for what you do have because he has created you for a purpose. Write a list of all the things that you are thankful for and remind yourself of these things daily.

Take control of comparison today. In fact, kick it back into 2017 where it belongs.

Whenever you feel to compare yourself to another woman, remember that you are unique and God has a unique plan for you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Embrace this and you will be at peace with yourself.

I love your point on do your best – Each of us has our own set of talents, gifts, insights, and opinions. We are tasked with our own path and God given plan. All we are to do is our best and God equips us with the rest.

NIkay, you have shown great wisdom in your article. Each one of your tips is pertinent to the topic and you support your points with scripture. Comparison is something I struggle with on and off, so thank you for keeping me in my lane!! – Amyhttp://stylingrannymama.com/